Connecticut Governor Will Seek $3.2 Billion from the Federal Government for Infrastructure Improvements

Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy last month announced that he would seek $3.2 billion from the federal government for infrastructure hardening, following the extensive damage incurred most recently from Storm Sandy. Combined, Connecticut sustained more than $1 billion in damage from Tropical Storm Irene, the October Nor’easter and Storm Sandy.

The governor’s office, in a call with the office’s of the state’s congressional delegation, informed them that Connecticut will seek $620 million for the state and its municipalities for prevention and mitigation measures ($495 million for municipalities and $125 million for the state). The additional $2.5 billion would go toward upgrading power transmission systems; replacing and hardening for current infrastructure; relocation of power lines underground and the establishment of microgrids in selected high density areas.

“While our state was not impacted as severely as New York or New Jersey during Storm Sandy, we have seen substantial damage from three storms now that occurred in a little more than a year’s time.

“Changing weather patterns are a reality, and we must assume that the worst Mother Nature can throw at us hasn’t happened yet. This funding would allow us to invest in a few areas that would put us in a better position to handle the inevitable when it occurs.

“It would allow us to revamp our power distribution system by expanding the use of microgrids and burying power lines in high density areas. It would give us the chance to fortify our coastline in a way that will protect us from future flooding while doing nothing to diminish the beauty of our coastline. And it would give us the ability to mitigate future environmental damage by investing in the sewage treatment plants that spill over into Long Island Sound with disturbing regularity during weather related events.

“Investments in hardening our infrastructure are long past due, and I want to thank Governors Cuomo and Christie for their partnership in this effort. Our states are intrinsically tied together, and the more we can advocate for our entire region, the better off all of our residents will be.”

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